My green pasta sauce is a delicious alternative to marinara. A flavorful sauce made with spinach and can be made in under 30 minutes. This has quickly become a kid approved, family favorite.

Sometimes a simple bowl of pasta, like these buttered noodles, is the only thing my kids want for dinner. That’s why I love this fresh green sauce for pasta. Quick and easy to make, it’s a great alternative to pesto, something I can add to the noodles, and my kids absolutely love it!

This sauce is one of those meals I don’t mind making often because it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables. My kids love the color, but the taste keeps them coming back for more.

I like making this a full meal by serving it with things like this air fryer thin chicken breast or air fryer turkey meatballs.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Feel good ingredients. There are only a few wholesome ingredients used to make this recipe.
• Fast to make. This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile. Can be served with your favorite protein, vegetables, or pasta.
• Great leftovers. This green sauce makes amazing leftovers.

Ingredients

Below are a few ingredients notes for what you need to make green sauce for pasta.

• Spinach – Fresh spinach adds beautiful color and flavor.
• Olive oil – Used to cook the garlic and spinach.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic gives this sauce great flavor.
• Parmesan cheese – Parmesan cheese adds a little saltiness to the sauce.
• Cream cheese – Adds a touch of creaminess to the sauce.
• Broth – Use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water to thin out the sauce.

How to make green pasta sauce

Here is a step-by-step process for making this recipe. Jump to the recipe for the full instructions.

1. Saute the garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add in the spinach and saute until wilted. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Add the cooked spinach and garlic, parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and broth to a food processor and puree until a sauce is formed.
3. Serve as desired.

Storage instructions

The best way to store this sauce is in an air tight container in the refrigerator. It will last 3-4 days. To reheat, I add it back to a saucepan with a little extra broth or water to help thin out. Warm it through to serve.

Heather’s recipe tips

• Blending. If you don’t have a food processor, mix the green sauce in a blender.
• You can use frozen spinach. Feel free to use frozen spinach if you don’t have fresh on hand. Make sure to thaw the spinach and squeeze any excess liquid from the spinach.
• Try using pasta water. You can substitute the broth with pasta water.
• Serve warm or cold. This sauce can be served hot or cold.

Serving suggestions

• Protein – Try serving with chicken, meatballs, tofu, or seafood.
• Vegetables – I love serving this with different vegetables like tomatoes, asparagus, or a variety of sauteed vegetables.
• Pasta – This green sauce is perfect on pasta like spaghetti, fettuccini, penne, and more.

  

More easy pasta recipes

• Baked ravioli lasagna – Super easy meal made with ravioli.
• Pizza casserole – All of your favorite supreme pizza toppings baked with pasta and cheese.
• Baked mostaccioli – Italian sausage, cheese, and pasta.
• Fiesta chicken casserole – A delicious pasta bake with Tex-Mex flavors.
• Taco twist – Made with rotini pasta.

Be sure to let me know if you made this recipe. Feel free to leave a comment and rating below.